JBL Charge 5 vs Xtreme 3
JBL is known for making top Bluetooth speakers, but how do you choose the right one for you? We compare two of their top wireless speakers to help you figure out which one suits your needs best in this blog on Digimigia. If you want a compact, highly portable speaker, check out our comparison of the JBL Charge 5 vs Xtreme 3.
Design and Build Quality
The Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 have a strong, tubular design that is built to last for outdoor activities. However, JBL Charge 5 vs Xtreme 3 speces indicates that they have some differences in their design and build quality.
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 is a small Bluetooth speaker that measures 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” and weighs just 0.96kg. This speaker is well-built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, making it completely dust-tight and able to be submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It is constructed from durable materials and features two bass radiators on each side. The back includes a sealed USB-A port and a Type-C charging port. This compact, portable speaker fits in one hand, making it convenient for travel. It’s battery-operated, allowing you to use it outside without plugging it in.
JBL Xtreme 3
It measures 11.73” x 5.4” x 5.24” and weighs 1.83kg. The JBL Xtreme 3 also features metal clips for attaching a carrying strap, making it easy to transport. This speaker is well-built and has an IP67 rating, making it dust-tight and able to withstand being submerged in water up to a meter for 30 minutes. You can use it near water without much concern for damage. It features strong netting, and its rubber base and sides prevent slipping whether it’s placed horizontally or vertically. Additionally, it has hooks for attaching a carrying strap, which is durable and includes a bottle opener.
Audio Performance
Audio performance is very important whenever you want to compare two speakers. Here, we are also goint to compare JBL Charge 5 vs Xtreme 3 sound quality.
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 has some distortion at high volumes, specifically between 90% and 100%. The treble loses its clarity and the highs become quite sharp. Additionally, the bass does not increase beyond 75% volume, resulting in louder highs without more bass. The best sound quality is achieved when playing music at 25% to 75% volume. The Charge 5 delivers improved sound quality when the volume exceeds 25%, providing strong bass and vibrant beats. It excels at mid-volume levels, particularly around 75%, where the highs are clear and the midrange is satisfactory. EDM and rock tracks are lively and immersive, with distinct vocals and instruments that are easy to distinguish.
JBL Xtreme 3
The bass on the JBL Xtreme 3 is deep and strong, becoming tighter and louder as the volume increases past 50%. It maintains good bass quality at all volume levels, even below 25%. At higher volumes, the Xtreme 3 produces punchy bass and clear mids without the distortion found in the Charge 5. Its dual tweeters provide decent stereo separation, and at high volumes, the sound remains clear and powerful without blurring the midrange.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Connectivity is essential for portable speakers. A good speaker should connect quickly, maintain a strong signal, and possibly include extra features for convenience. Let us compare the connectivity and compatibility of JBL Charge 5 vs Xtreme 3 one by one.
JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 has newest model includes Bluetooth 5.1, which was released in 2019, so it’s not the most advanced technology. However, it performs well. As of November 2024, reviewers mention that connecting of Charge 5 is fast and dependable. Simply press the Bluetooth button on the speaker and select it from your device’s Bluetooth settings. It’s straightforward. PartyBoost is a key feature that allows you to connect the Charge 5 wirelessly with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers. This is perfect for enhancing the sound at your outdoor gatherings or in your living room. The JBL Charge 5 is also includes Wi-Fi support.
JBL Xtreme 3
The JBL Xtreme 3 features Bluetooth 5.1 and supports only the SBC codec. Unlike many portable speakers, it includes an aux port, allowing you to bypass some Bluetooth quality issues. This is practical since ‘portable’ can mean different sizes, especially for a larger speaker. It also offers Bluetooth multipoint, letting you connect two devices at once, but it doesn’t save a list of them.
FAQ
- Which speaker has better battery life?
The JBL Charge 5 lasts 20 hours on a single charge, allowing you to enjoy your party for nearly a full day without the speaker turning off. It takes 4 hours to charge and has a USB-C port for charging or connecting other devices. In contrast, the Xtreme 3 offers 15 hours of battery life and charges in just 2 hours. Although it has a shorter battery life due to its higher power output of around 100 watts, its charging time is significantly quicker.
- Are both speakers waterproof?
These two speakers, JBL Charge 5 and Xtreme 3, have an IP67 rating, meaning they are completely dust-tight and can be submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes.